Packaging machine



March 17, 1942.

s. R. HOWARD PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Nov. 26, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 J6 Ff ,1

INVENIOR.

5. R. HOWARD I PACKAGING MACHINE March 17, 1942.

Filed Nov. '26, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I-NVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 17, 1942 UNITE sr'rsls FATE 2,276,541 PACKAGING monrna Application November 26, 1940, Serial No. 36?,193

(c1. 9s-s) 12 Claims.

This invention relates to a packaging machine and particularly to a carton closing and sealing machine.

The invention has for an object to provide a novel and improved carton closing and sealing machine for closing and sealing the top flaps of a filled carton which is provided with an im- I proved flap closing mechanism particularly adapted to handle cartons which have been'filled with material above the top score line of the carton to the end that such material may be compressed into the carton during the flap closing operation.

With this general object in view and such others as may hereinafter appear, the invention consists in the packaging machine and inthe various structures, arrangements and combina tions of parts hereinafter described and particularly defined in the claims at the end of this specification.

In the drawings illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a plan view of a carton closing and sealing machine embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the flap closing and material compressing mechanism; and Fig. 3 is a crosssectional detail taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, to be referred to.

In general, the present invention contemplates an improved packaging machine having a carton closing mechanism of novel construction particularly adapted for closing the top flaps of an over-filled carton and for gradually applying pressure against the flaps and the top of the carton to effect compression of the material therein. Heretofore, in the packaging of loose fluffy materials such as soap flakes, it has been the practice to insert a plunger into the carton to compress the material therein in an attempt to avoid an empty space at the top of the carton which would otherwise be produced when the material settled therein. This procedure was found closed on top of the carton by the application of pressure to the top flaps of the carton. The extent of overfilling and the amount of pressure is preferably such as to effect compression of the underlying material to within the carton, thus placing the material under pressure so that when the package is again opened, the material will tend to expand again to above the level of the top score line of the carton.

Referring now to the drawings, the invention is illustrated as embodied in a packaging machine for closing and sealing the top flaps of filled cartons which, in general and except as hereinafter pointed out, may comprise the machine forming the subject matter of the United States patent to Scales, No. 930,090, dated August 3, 1909, to which reference may be had for a complete description thereof. For the purposes of the present invention, only sufficient portions of the complete packaging machine have been herein illustrated and will be described as will enable the invention to be understood. In general, the machine illustrated in the drawings comprises an incoming belt 50 for conveying the cartons i2 from the filling mechanism or other point from which the filled cartons are to be supplied. The cartons are arranged to enter themachine, one at a time, in timed relation to the operating mechanism by the usual pusher arm It, which releases the foremost carton in the line into the machine. The carton is then advanced to a position where it is engaged by one of a series of carrier arms it mounted on a horizontally moving endless chain i8. In the operation of the machine, the carrier arms is move successive cartons through the machine past the various mechanisms for performing the flap folding and sealing operations, as will be described,

As herein illustrated, the carton i2 is provided with opposed end flaps 29, 22, and side flaps 2d, 28 extending vertically from the top of the carton and the material is deposited into the carton to a level above the scor line 28 and between the upstanding end and side flaps. Provision is made for partially closing one set of flaps and preferably the end flaps 20, 22 and for thereafter progressively pressing the partially closed flaps down on top of the carton as the latter is carried along by the carrier mechanism to fully close the end flaps and to effect compression of the material in' the carton. Ae herein shown, the leading end flap 20 is partially folded over when it engages the underside of a longitudinally extended presser belt 30. The presser belt 30 comprises of the belt may be provided for holding the belt is mounted fast on a shaft 40 j ournaled in suitable bearings, supported on the machine frame. The shaft 40 is provided with a sprocket 44 connected by a chain 46 to a sprocket 48 mounted fast on a main driving shaft 50, the latter being journaled in bearings 52 mounted on the side.

frames. The main driving shaft 50 is driven through connections including cooperating gears 54, 56 and driving pulley 58, the latter being belted to any usual source of power such as an electric motor, not shown. As illustrated in Fig.

1,.the carrier chain I8 runs over sprockets 60, 62

and is arranged to be driven through connections from the main driving shaft 50 including a sprocket and chain drive 64 to a cross shaft 88,

s and bevel gears 68, I0.

From the description thus far, it will be observed that as the filled carton is carried along by the carrier arms IS the leading end flap engages the underside of the inclined belt to be partially folded down over the material as illustrated in Fig. 2. Provision is also made for partially folding down the opposing end fiap 22 prior to being received under the belt and for holding the flap in its partially folded condition until it enters under the belt 'andpis retained thereby in its partially folded condition. As herein shown, the rear flap 22 is arranged to be tucked under the belt by a curved folding blade I2 carried by arocker arm 14 mounted fast on a cross shaft IS. The cross shaft I6 is arranged to be rocked in timed relation to the movement of the carrier arms- I6 through connections including a closed cam I8 mounted fast on the rear cross shaft 66'. A cam roll 80 carried by one arm 82 of a bell crank cooperates with the cam' I8, and the second arm 84 of the bell crank is connected by' a link 86 to an arm 88 fast on the"rocker shaft 16. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the incoming belt I0 is preferably arranged to support the cartons I2 for a substantial distance during the time they pass beneath the belt 30 so that the cartons are supported between the upper and lower moving belts during the pressure applying operation in addition to being supported by the carrier arms I5. Thereafter the cartons are transferred to stationary supporting rails 89. Suitable guide rails may also be provided to prevent lateral displacement of the cartons as they pass through the machine.

It will be apparent that, in the operation of the machine, as an overfilled carton with its end flaps partially folded over. the material heaped above the top score'line of the carton is-carried along underthe inclined moving belt, the pressure of the belt will force the two end flaps down on top of the material and, effect compression thereof into the container. It will be observed that the end of the inclined portion down in operative relation to the top of the carton to perform the flap closing and compressing operation and, as herein shown, such a backing member may comprise a runner or guide 90 against which the belt slides in the operation of the machine. The runner 90 as herein illustrated, may be supported by angle members 92, 94 attached to brackets 06, 98, the latter being hung from shafts I00 and I02 respectively, at

either end. The idler shaft I00 may be supported in brackets I04 attached to the machineis mounted, is journaled in bearing members I00.

attached to the side frames, as shown.

Provision is also made for supporting the side flaps 24, 26 in their vertically extended position during the end flap closing and compressing operation, and as herein shown, may comprise side rails I08, IIO arranged to prevent the side flaps from spreading outwardly during the compressing operation. The side rails are supported by brackets II2, I I4 attached to the machine frame. In the operation of the machine, after the end flaps have been fully. closed, provision is made for spreading the side flaps 24, 26 outwardly to cause them to assume a horizontal position preparatory to the application of adhesive thereto. As illustrated in Fig. 2, after the carton has passed beyond the side rails I08, I I0, a stationary curved and flared rail H0 is arranged to engage the side flaps to spread them outwardly where- 1 upon the carton with its side flaps horizontally extended passes under the spaced adhesive applying rolls II8, I20, by which adhesive is applied to the top of the extended flaps in known manner. The adhesive applying rollers II8,' I20 are mounted upon and arranged to. rotate with the main driving shaft 50 and form part of the usual adhesive applying mechanism indicated generally at I22.

. It will be observed that during the adhesive applying operation, the end flaps are maintained in their closed position by the horizontally extended portion of the belt 30, and in the operation of the machine, after the carton passes beyond the horizontally extended portion of the belt, the top of the carton is engaged by a stationary rail I24 whereupon the adhesive coated side flaps are folded over into carton closing position by the usual form of curved rails I26, I28, as shown in Fig. 1. Thereafter, the carton is discharged from the machine to be received between spaced moving belts, indicated generally at I30, for firmly setting the adhesively sealed flaps.

From the above description, it will be observed that in'the operation of the machine, successive cartons are received under the divergent end of the moving inclined belt in a'partially closed condition, the leading flap being so closed by engagement with the belt and the rear fiap be ing tucked thereunder as the carton is passing under the divergent end thereof, and thereafter the flap closing and compressing operation is simultaneously performed while the cartons are continuously advanced toward the divergent end of the inclined belt to provide a simple and efficient flap closing and compressing device enembodied in other forms within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for moving successive overfilled cartons through the machine, and means including a movable inclined endless belt for progressively closing two opposed flaps of a carton as the latter is moved through the machine and thereby simultaneously compressing the material therein, said belt having a substantially flush outer surface for its entire length.

2. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive overfilled cartons through the machine, and means for progressively closing two opposed flaps of a carton as the latter is moved through the machine and thereby simultaneously com-= pressing the material therein, including a, mov-' able inclined endless belt-arranged with respect to the movement of the cartons to converge toward the top of the cartons in the direction of travel thereof, said belt having a substantially flush outer surface for its entire length.

3. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive overfilled cartons through the machine, means for progressively closing two opposed flaps of a carton as the latter is moved through the machine and thereby simultaneously compressing the material therein, including a movable inclined endless belt arranged to converge in the direction of movement of the cartons, the outer surface of said belt being substantially fiush for its entire length and capable of folding the leading fiap inwardly as the carton is moved there under, and means for partially folding inwardly the rearward one of said. opposed fiaps to position it under said inclined belt.

4. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive overfilled cartons through the machine, and means for progressively closing two opposed flaps of a carton as the latter is moved through the machine to therebyefiect simultaneous closure of the flaps and compression of the material therein, including a movable fiap closing member having a substantially fiush engaging surface arranged to move along with the carton during the flap closing operation.

5. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive cartons through the machine, mechanism for closing one pair of vertically extended opposed top flaps including a longitudinally extended inclined movable endless belt having a substantially fiush outer surface for its entire length disposed above the incoming cartons and arranged to progressively close said one pair of opposed flaps and to simultaneously compress the material therein as the cartons are moved along thereunder, and means for first partially folding said one pair of flaps to enable them to be received under said inclined movable belt.

6. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive cartons through the machine, mechanism for closing one pair of vertically extended opposed flaps including a longitudinally extended 'stantially fiush outer surface for its entire length, the forward portion of said inclined belt being arranged to engage and'partially fold the leading flap inwardly as the carton is moved thereunder, and means for partially folding the opposing flap inwardly to be received under said inclined belt.

7. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive cartons through the machine, mechanism for closing one pair of verticallyextended opposed flaps including a longitudinally extended inclined belt disposed above the incoming cartons arinclined endless belt disposed above the incoming] ranged to progressively close said one pair of opposed fiaps and to simultaneously compress the material therein as the cartons are moved along thereunder, the forward portion of said inclined belt being arranged to engage and partially fold the leading flap inwardly as the carton is moved thereunder, means for partially folding the opposing fiap inwardly to enable it to be received under said inclined belt, and means for main- I taining the second pair of opposed flaps in their arrranged at an incline above the moving cartons,

said belt being of a width to fit between the second pair of vertically extended flaps and adapted to progressively close said one pair of opposed flaps and to simultaneously compress the material therein as the cartons are moved along thereunder, means for first partially folding said one pair of opposed flaps inwardly to enable them to be received under said belt, and means for maintaining the second pair of opposed flaps in their vertically extended position during said flap closing operation.

9. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive cartons through the machine, mechanism for closing one pair of vertically extended opposed flaps including a longitudinally extended endless belt arranged at an incline above the movingcartons, said belt being of a width to fit'between the second pair of vertically extended flaps and adapted to progressively close said one pair of opposed flaps and to simultaneously compress the material therein as the cartons are moved along thereunder, means for first partially folding said one pair of opposed flaps inwardly to be received under said belt, means for driving said belt 'at a rate of speed equal to the forward motion of said cartons, and means for maintaining the second pair of opposed flaps in their vertically extended position during said flap closing operation.

10. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive overfilled cartons through the machine including an incoming conveyer belt upon which the cartons are supported, mechanism for closing a one pair of vertically extended opposed fiaps including a longitudinally extended endless belt arranged at an incline above the moving cartons, said belt being of a Width to fit between the second pair of vertically extended flaps and adapted to progressively close said one pair of opposed fiaps and to simultaneously compress the material therein as the cartons are moved along thereunder, means for first partially folding said one pair of opposed flaps inwardly to be received under said belt, said conveyer belt and said endless inclined belt being arranged to travel'at substantially the same rate of speed, and means for maintaining the second pair of opposed flaps in their vertically extended position during said flap closing operation.

11. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for continuously moving successive cartons through the machine, mechanism for closing one pair of vertically extended opposed flaps including a longitudinally extended endless belt arranged at an incline above the moving cartons, said belt being of a width to fit between the second pair of vertically extended flaps and adapted to progressively close said one pair of opposed flaps and to simultaneously compress the material therein as the cartons are moved along thereunder, means for driving said belt at a rate of speed equal to' the forward motion of said cartons, the forward portion of said inclined belt being arranged to engage and partially fold the leading flap inwardly as the carton .maintaining the second pair of opposed flaps in ceived under said belt including a folding member adapted to be rocked in timed relation to the movement of said cartons, and means for maintaining the second pair of opposed flaps in their vertically extended position during said flap closing operation.

12. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means 'for moving successive cartons through the machine, means for progressively closing two opposed flaps of a carton as the latter is moved through the machine and thereby simultaneously compressing the material therein including a movable inclined belt arranged to converge in the direction of movement of the cartons, means for first partially folding inwardly the rearward one of said opposed flaps to position it under said inclined belt, means for their vertically extended position during said flap closing operation and means for subsequently folding down and adhesively aflixing the two remaining top flaps of the carton.

STANLEY R. HOWARD, 

